Construction Worker Killed in Trench Collapse

EDGECOMBE COUNTY, NC – A 36-year old construction worker was killed following a trench collapse while installing an overflow pipe at a new pond on Red Barn Lane outside of Rocky Mount.

The worker has been identified as Edward Webb.

State Department of Labor spokeswoman Dolores Quesenberry says the company Webb worked for was installing PVC piping inside a trench about six feet deep when one of the sides collapsed.

Quesenberry says they have opened an investigation to determine exactly what happened and if any worker safety standards were violated – that includes whether a trench safety system was being used or not.

In addition to the sheriff’s office, three volunteer fire departments and emergency service personnel from both Edgecombe and Nash counties responded to the accident.